Chapter 235
Chapter 235
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 235
Chapter Title: Wakamo Corporation Managers
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Is there any company in Korea as famous as Wakamo Corporation?
Among VTuber agencies, it was the one that invested the most heavily—not just in its own VTubers, but even in outsiders—leading the entire VTuber industry like a major corporation.
It was infamous for throwing money at anything VTuber-related without questions asked, as long as it wasn't an outright scam.
There used to be the occasional con artist back in the day, but after Asuka turned them into people who couldn't even dream of trying it again, the issue was resolved.
Wakamo Corporation was famous not only for its VTubers but also for its managers, who were anything but ordinary.
She was the deputy director of the surveillance team, personally trained by Korean Climbers Association President Yoo Kyung-yeon, and the next president in line. She'd stepped down from her surveillance team role, and her current title was classified, but she was known for holding a special rank unique to her, overseeing various duties in preparation to inherit the presidency.
That person was none other than Manager Won Da-hye, also known as the One Hope for Climbers.
She usually lounged in her office yelling things like, "The Kkwak that I reserved and bought! You tricked me saying the new one flopped and no one would buy it!?"
But there was no doubt she was highly capable.
Her office was filled with robot figurines and plastered with Super Robot series posters—a total otaku setup—but since it was for stress relief and mental stability, no one dared comment on it.
Anyone who said something like, "How can you have kid-like hobbies at your age?" would get hit with a critical strike from Wakamo Inarizushi herself.
It was no different from badmouthing VTubers in front of an idol.
That's why some association employees whispered that "Deputy President" Won Da-hye was a test deliberately set up by the association.
And understandably so—if it were truly her taste, the room would be packed with bear-related stuff.
Women liking cute bear dolls wasn't weird, even a couple, but a woman loving robots? Suspicious.
The moment you stepped in, the next president's exam had already begun. In fact, anyone who'd entered her room and shown "offended" emotions couldn't advance to a manager position.
It might sound a bit odd.
The Korean Climbers Association was practically responsible for the entire East Asian Federation, with an enormous number of affiliated climbers.
They handled things so efficiently that fed-up Japanese climbers switched registrations to work here, and in China, Yung Wei had basically opened the path for people to register in Korea instead.
Russia? The president hadn't even bothered creating one.
It was treated as the dream mega-corp that civilians aspiring to be civil servants most wanted to join, and for some reason, it also had a secretive department that supported aspiring VTubers.
Naturally, specialists handling climber crimes like the surveillance team got better treatment and higher pay—but there was an even higher rank.
That was the job of Wakamo Corporation manager.
It required not just ability, but deep VTuber knowledge and top-tier combat skills just to scrape by on the entrance exam.
You had to pass interviews with Manager Won Da-hye, Vice President Kang Yeo-ul, and Producer Rias to become a manager.
The position, treated as civil servant status through the Korean government, was so dangerous you needed multiple lives.
Of course, the pay was huge, vacations plentiful, and support abundant—but this self-proclaimed VTuber agency was the core and heart of the East Asian Federation!
If a spy or infiltrator slipped in and assassinated someone, Korea would be done for.
And here was a young man named B, who had landed a job as one such manager.
A youth who hid his existence so thoroughly he could pass as a complete civilian.
※※※
"Incheon Tower floor 64 raid starting!!"
"Boss type classified as giant! Terrain data available! It's a boss from India Tower floor 90+! And an even more special elite type!"
"Three heads and six arms confirmed—suspected to be a Six Paths Asura Clan member, but height 40m!!"
"That's super giant! Weren't normal monsters like 4m?"
The managers buzzed as they watched Wakamo's broadcast of the floor 64 raid, frantically pulling up data.
Wakamo's climbs were infamous for spawning horrific monsters no other climber had seen or faced.
This one was a martial arts master giant, notoriously tough even in India—but ten times taller.
The sight of a skyscraper walking around on screen left the rookie manager dumbfounded.
If the India Tower collapsed, that apocalyptic monster would roam free.
"Rookie! Snap out of it and gather data!"
"Y-Yes sir!"
They could watch the broadcast, but sending helpful info back was tough.
—Truth be told, sending info was pointless anyway.
The idol who needed no sleep had already reviewed every monster record worldwide with Won Da-hye's support from the Climbers Association.
From possible status effects to field info and item classifications used by monsters.
Wakamo was practically a walking monster encyclopedia. And she was learning magic and mana theory from a genius called the Professor, who published papers.
Even if they told her something, she'd likely know it already—and 90% of what she faced had zero prior intel.
"Ooooh!!"
"This'll make for great ad revenue."
"It's like watching anime. Oh yeah, didn't she say she's doing a retrial?"
Against the colossal giant, Wakamo Inarizushi deployed the 【Divine Army Sword Dance Divine General Dragon General God】.
A humanoid weapon designed in Joseon armor form dropped from above the Asura's heads, slashing down with its sword.
Six arms whipped up a literal storm of fierce sword strikes, but it matched them blow-for-blow with a single blade in a fierce exchange that had the managers cheering.
It was like the mech from a new anime with a pilot protagonist. Still hugely popular, and this would only boost it more.
Some manager applauded at the genius touch of Wakamo transforming into the pilot in the cockpit.
A pro VTuber never lost her flair for presentation, no matter the situation.
The broadcast title instantly changed from [Floor 64 Raid] to [Captain's Sudden Visit Broadcast During Floor 64 Raid].
"Asura moving! Still need to target the three heads!"
"Summon confirmed! Just bigger size, same effects!"
The Asura stomped hard, sending shattered pillars erupting from the ground, spewing auras.
The empowered Asura kicked the Dragon General God, sending the 10m robot staggering back.
Then six swords unleashed red lightning spears.
Block or dodge?
As the red lightning spears closed in, the Dragon General God turned to lightning, slipping through the gaps to pierce the Asura's waist.
It had transformed its body into lightning for the move, but to outsiders, it looked like a [skill] slicing clean through.
"[Kiyoooot!!]"
The [Three-Tailed Fox] and [Three-Legged Crow] appeared, charging the Asura. The flapping Three-Legged Crow grabbed a head and pecked it, while the Three-Tailed Fox dove low, wrapping flames around its legs and ramming.
"Here it comes! The new tank!!!"
"Such a golden child product."
The new tank from the Korean government, [RX-78-2 TANK], latched onto the Dragon General God's shoulder, aiming its barrel at the Asura.
"[Hell's Shells!!]"
The laser from the barrel pierced the central face, blasting a massive hole.
The Three-Legged Crow and Three-Tailed Fox scattered in perfect unison.
Managers sipped coffee, figuring orders would pour in from various countries now that they'd been highlighted after so long.
Soon, they greeted the mecha as it cleaved the Asura in two with a finishing slash.
Without looking back, the Dragon General God stood tall as the collapsing Asura exploded massively and vanished with a boom.
[Incheon Tower floor 64 achieves Platinum conditions and opens to all humanity!!]
"Heading to the community to check public sentiment now."
"What's the next broadcast schedule?"
"Move, move!"
Rookie Manager B, who'd been spaced out, started sorting the tasks his seniors assigned.
From merch ads to handling requests from other countries and investigating resources on floor 64—all manager duties.
Normally, no monsters after the floor boss, but some resources came from them, so armament was essential.
Before managers could act, the edited footage was already up on Wakamo's channel.
"Three-Tailed Fox and Three-Legged Crow plushies?"
"Add a combining gimmick to the tank for plastic model release—discuss later—"
Watching the frantic managers, rookie B moved to his next assignment per his schedule.
"Gahhh!!"
"Ugh, I'm dying."
From Guardians to mysterious organizations targeting Wakamo Corporation.
Terror from crime syndicates, climber stalkers—training rooms existed for managers to respond.
Built with U.S. support for cutting-edge gear and Russian tower lord aid, managers got pummeled by generals summoned by Emperor Yu Ying.
Last time pirates targeted Mare Pilot, four managers died because their combat skills fell short.
They were up against an absurdly strong sword ghost in between, but they still needed training to buy time.
"[Crying like that?]"
"[Can you protect the Emperor?]"
"[Such a frail body unfit for a bear!]"
Managers rolled under demon instructors who never praised.
Purely those lacking climber physique or basics got systematic training.
Even the talented, skilled, lucky ones faced real hell.
"Alright, everyone! Let's work hard today, get stronger, and climb, right?"
B's legs trembled in fear and despair.
Adelheid's gallery dispatch 【Executioner】 or Japan's 【Fist King】 were manageable.
The former just beat you senseless, the latter at least talked while doing it.
But when Vice President Kang Yeo-ul of Wakamo Corporation showed up, clocking out on time was a pipe dream.
Overtime meant extra pay, but no one would be happy.
Was there a boss scarier than an "idol" who needed no sleep, food, or rest for 24 hours?
"Kuooo!!!"
B transformed into [Hell Chain Ursus] and charged Kang Yeo-ul, who leisurely drew a lightsaber.
It evoked a dark realm boss from some Force-overflowing SF space flick—not imagination.
Size difference, raw strength, flames—meaningless as slashes came from everywhere.
Lose focus, and you'd get slammed into walls and floors, body shattering.
"Much more acrobatic movement than before? Good work, B."
After desperate flailing to touch her shadow, training ended.
"Thanks, B..."
"I'm... alive?"
"Someone check if my legs are still attached."
"Mommm..."
Over ten climber managers lay sprawled, groaning in pain.
Training always ended with touching Kang Yeo-ul or her shadow.
Rumor had it higher-rank managers got tougher drills.
"We passed a rule exempting high-floor climbers from training—bonus included, so note it?"
"Really?"
"I'm climbing starting today."
She smiled, adding 1-on-1 dedicated training with Vice President Kang was possible, but a faint-hearted manager vomited and fainted on the spot.
The guy she'd psychokinetically flung into the ceiling earlier.
"Hey, B. You two-girlfriend cheater."
"Why call me?"
"You're climbing Suwon Tower, right? How far?"
"About floor 55 now."
"Solo~ party?"
"Solo."
Climbing solo was key—couldn't handle Wakamo Inarizushi crashing the manager promotion exam otherwise.
His senior, knowing this, patted his shoulder warmly: "Quick learner."
Great treatment, pay, vacations, bonuses—but as climbers, they worked you hard physically.
"Heard Manager Won Da-hye got ambushed at Lotteria last time?"
"By Guardians?"
"Monster with an ether generator attached, apparently. That's why training ramped up."
"No article even—scary stuff."
A job where death could strike anytime, but expected for climbers.
Instead, grateful for free unlimited gear and consumables on top of pay.
Of course, getting outed as working here meant targets like famous Manager Won Da-hye.
So B lived quietly disguised as a civilian.
"Training climbers is essential to prevent tower collapses. Better than expedition life, right?"
"Generations who've seen collapse monsters wreck cities climb harder?"
"No, criminals rampaging for money or power makes sense—them? No clue."
From legendary class assassinations by Guardians to kidnappings, tower collapses, national terror by mystery orgs.
East Asian Federation felt safe, but who knew when it'd crumble or get hit—training essential.
"We did hell training after getting wrecked by the EU Federation once."
"We didn't even participate, but yeah. What can you do?"
Towers provided infinite resources, giving nations frequent-use power.
Enabling independent diplomacy and defense—but crime to worst-case collapse meant national extinction.
Lose a nation, its tower goes to another, collapse monsters swarm into the new zone—crossing borders in a massive flood, chain chaos could end humanity.
The current presidents were living proof who'd stopped it, so the role demanded stringent quals.
"B has higher skills than Manager Won Da-hye? She scouted you herself—says it all."
"Ahaha..."
"Heard you joined for polygamy, true?"
"Uh, suddenly got busy—"
"Hey."
※※※
"Auntie, 20 servings of pork belly here."
"Y-You're tower climbers?"
"Yeah, and seven bottles of soju."
The gathered managers—B was on the Wakamo team thanks to talent, but others weren't.
The 0th, 1st, and 2nd gen handlers looked utterly drained.
Unlike B, still learning by shadowing seniors, their experience weighed heavy.
Mostly first-years, some even longer tenured than 2nd gens as managers.
"Fuck! That damn boomer bastard!!"
"Here we go again."
"Learning Chinese is fucking hard!! Damn chinks, boo-hoo."
The manager for Hajime Ichigo bawled.
Vice Chairman Yung Wei constantly messaged: "How's our Emperor~?"—even on days off. Maddening.
Off-days, Ichigo visited him like a granddaughter seeing grandpa, though reluctantly.
Sweet as pie to her, but to the manager: Doing well? No issues? Late reports? Insufficient raid support?
"Two chinks!!"
Plus, big sis Xiao Liang visited, nagging if he could protect such a weakling, drilling him brutally in martial arts—yet Ichigo dodged sniper shots from 7km. How was a manager supposed to protect her?
"Last China trip, a mimic disguised as a passing kid attacked? Ichigo silently slit its throat mid-scream!!"
Perfect disguise, but her survival instincts couldn't be fooled—the kid reverted.
For hypnosis/brainwashing cases, she precisely KO'd vitals.
Managers just carried gear and cleaned up.
"Ichigo's sweet—I’m swamped."
Mare Pilot's manager, on shifts, couldn't recall last 8+ hour sleep, sighed with dark circles.
Broadcasts aced, albums smashed, anime hit—superstar VTuber, but everywhere she went, stalkers and fans mobbed.
Frequent pachinko or bars meant bomb traps or poisoned drinks—most assassination attempts among members.
"Pachinko exploded, head rolling—I still have nightmares!!"
Wakamo-trained freak(?)—explosions? Regenerated fine.
Poisoned booze? Every toxin imaginable built full immunity, near invulnerable.
"Every day!! Buying booze!!!"
"Better than me jetting for PC parts overseas."
"Asuka manageable?"
"Minus doxxing, yeah."
Cybernet Asuka's manager: calls tapped, phone gallery hacked, contacts doxxed—but smiled it off.
Unclear who managed whom, but aside from popping from home TV/PC, no issues.
"Lost my girlfriend thanks—told her I cheated. Told my dad he's having an affair!!! Sob!!"
0th gens were top climbers, long with Wakamo—transcended humanity.
—Still, better than 1st gens?
"Right right right right."
No one spoke seeing Lucia's manager.
Octopus head, wriggling tentacles—not human speech, but [Shifter] over-immersed in art.
"Engineer! Engineer! Panglui mnglu wapa Lucia! Waganagl phtaghn!"
"Does the job fine despite looks."
"Good enough."
Pipkin Mami's manager griped about constant telepathy reading discomforts.
"Teleports everywhere but wants me to drive—why?"
Every outing, checking closets/beds for threats, always armed—issues galore.
Precise telepathic scans, shapeshifting disguises.
Ads packed, but special agent moves tired him out.
"Still better than that one."
"Kahus Megrus!"
Lucia's manager agreed—climber communication was miraculous.
Ioseph Kahn's manager: uniform-clad, unfocused eyes.
"Ughhh..."
Dementia-like, obsessively checking notepad and phone.
Mornings, he'd forget who he managed—common early on.
Even elite managers suffered his hazy presence.
Ex-soldier Ioseph's packed schedule meant early rises, constant reminders.
"Buddy, focus!! Drove you here for new song production today!!"
"Huh?! Warrant Officer 000!!"
"No army here! Snap out!"
"Ughhh... schedule... tomorrow wake 5am..."
Desperate palm-writing drew a headshake from Lucia's manager.
His gigs? Gallery art viewings, Lucia consults—super chill, tentacles wriggling.
Next, 2nd gens—aged decades despite short time. B swallowed hard.
"Ex-con, boss of an org!!"
Chasing Six Demons Evil boss drew pursuers, assassins, rival gangs.
Scarred manager: "Filming movies daily—even died twice."
Car bomb? Nanna rewound time.
Followed to Six Demons gigs, eyeing amid legendary classes.
Recently, climbed Himalayas for nearby diary—futile.
Artifact hunts: Atlantic dives, quals galore—Nanna's manager shuddered.
Maya's had dedicated Producer Miss Rias, absent.
But 24/7 hustle, meetings/training with 2nd gens—tears.
"I got strong for this?!!"
"Pay's seven times mine."
"More per qual."
"You bastard??"
Meritocracy via climbers—Wakamo rewarded talent well.
All eyes turned to Rusalka manager: a [Golem], not human.
Mute golem scribbled: Handling Russian tower lord duties by proxy.
Gulping soju like fuel, added to notepad:
[Korean towers slack off.]
Wanted to vent tons, but no space—left it.
Artificial manager's grudge packed volumes.
"I'm the only human!!!"
Nanna's manager, squeezed between golem and idol, wept bitterly.
0th/1st gen managers at least messaged mutual support.
2nd gen? Solo human, lonely boozing on days off—wailing.
Golem scribbled: I drink too. Not much comfort.
"Haha."
Wakamo managers had endless tasks.
Combat plus VTuber handling—everything.
Thus, B was relieved his talent put him on Wakamo Inarizushi's team.
"New hire in our merch team: A from China."
"Hel─huh, B? Came to save me!"
"Nah, got caught too."
Chinese A, thinking B civilian, felt betrayed but silently teared up.
Hugging cute bears, couldn't refuse the pay—B patted his shoulder wordlessly.
"I'm into polygamy─"
"Asshole."
A kicked B—reasons aplenty.
Non-criminal, gov perks galore—Wakamo managers.
Disguised(?), but elite climbers ready to defend nation.
Busy as ever today.
"Wakamo leader gave 【Shakyamuni's Bodhi Tree】 from floor 63 to Xiao Liang—Japan gov protesting!"
"Meditation under it gives recovery bonus? Whatever—why Japan?"
"Fuck, we're screwed!! Merch truck hijacked by psycho climber!!"
"Arm up and roll out!!"
"Pilot notified yesterday going Switzerland for booze!! She's here!!!"
"That, White Dragon? Anyone seen? Left at vocal group—pickup? Forgot? Russian prez called."
"Our lil Emperor snuck to U.S. for swimsuit card!! China gov called!!"
"Asuka bored, hacked NASA for data—now what?"
"Nanna tomb-raiding Machu Picchu—manager?"
"Emer─gency!! Unknown yokai at Lucia gallery!! Yokai team, move!!"
"Manager Won Da-hye kidnapped someone again—what now?"
Managers swarmed busily.
For world peace, someone had to grind somewhere.
Longest grinder Manager Won Da-hye sparked rumors of mental break.
But hugging cute bear (rookie) happily? High job satisfaction?
"Not enlisting with such cuties is desertion, bear! Lai lai ung cha cha!"
Red sports car rolled out for new recruits today.
More managers, the better. Probably.